On August 29, the award recipients were announced by social media, and it wasn't until the nominees were listed by NSW Touch that the Mudcrabs realised they were contenders.

"We were honoured to be nominated and surprised to win it," Mudgee Touch vice-president, Ben Harris said.

"The club has been working really hard over the past few years to make us strong both on and off the field. The club has put new procedures in place and we are starting to see them pay off.

"The Hornets region is one of the biggest in the state and to be named as their Affiliate of the Year is a great achievement for us. It means you're doing good things for touch in your community."

Mudgee Touch were also one of six in the running for the state award however, it was later handed to Manly Touch.

In the final stages of planning for this year's season, Harris says the club are looking forward to their October start dates.

"Obviously with the current COVID-19 situation it has forced us to make significant changes to our competitions, for example our junior competition will be split over two nights," he said.

"Our main aim is to run competitions in a safe and healthy environment, and to do that, there needed to be changes made. Hopefully everyone is understanding because it hasn't been easy.

"We hope to open our regos within a few days or next week."

The Mudcrabs' Annual General Meeting (AGM) will be held on September 29, 2020 by zoom with one person from each registered 2020/21 team to attend to receive four competition points.

"This season is going to be a testing one for the club because of COVID-19 so we will need all hands on deck," Harris said.

"All positions are available except for President and Treasurer, those roles are two-year terms and they are currently halfway through their term.

"If we don't get the sufficient committee members then there is a possibility the season won't go ahead."

The men's and women's competition will start on October 13, with mixed competitions and juniors to start on October 15.